Les Machines de l’Île

Les Machines de l’Île is a unique attraction located in the city of Nantes, France. It is an artistic project that combines engineering, architecture, and art to create giant mechanical creatures inspired by the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. The project was started in 2004, and has since become one of the most popular attractions in the city.

The star of the show at Les Machines de l’Île is the Great Elephant, a 12-meter tall and 21-meter long mechanical elephant that can carry up to 50 passengers on its back. Visitors can take a ride on the elephant and enjoy a unique perspective of the city. Other impressive machines include the Heron Tree, which is a 45-meter tall tree that houses a mechanical heron and a garden, and the Carousel of the Sea Worlds, which features fantastical sea creatures and is designed to resemble a ship.

Visitors to Les Machines de l’Île can take a guided tour of the workshop to see the machines being built and learn about the creative process behind them. They can also take part in workshops and educational programs to learn about engineering and art.

Overall, Les Machines de l’Île is a fascinating and unique attraction that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the artists and engineers who have brought these mechanical creatures to life, and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Nantes.